It is assumed that hair transplant procedures are only for individuals who are showing early signs of pattern baldness or who have gone completely bald, but that isn’t always the case. Individuals who are experiencing extreme thinning of the hair may be a good candidate for hair follicle transplant procedures.

We will explore what procedure is the best for patients looking to add density to their hair. We will also look at what patients can expect should they go through with this type of transplant procedure.

Follicular Unit Extraction is the Preferred Method of Hair Transplant for Hair Loss

There are two types of procedures performed by surgeons at hair loss treatment clinics: FUE and strip harvesting. While both procedures can help individuals who suffer from hair loss, one procedure, follicular unit extraction, is the preferred procedure used when patients want to add density to their hair.

FUE allows surgeons to take completely healthy hair follicles from various parts of the body, such as surrounding areas on the scalp, chest, arms, and legs, and transplant them into areas where the patient is balding or the hair is thinning. This transplant procedure is not only minimally invasive, but it has proven extremely successful when patients want to thicken their hair.

The other procedure, strip harvesting, is often used when patients want to correct large bald spots. This procedure is more invasive, leaves a scar, and has a longer healing time which is why most surgeons will suggest follicle unit extraction when a patient is looking to get fuller, thicker hair.

Who is a Good Candidate for FUE Procedure for Hair Thinning?

Before hair transplant can even be considered for thinning hair, it is important to make sure the hair loss is not caused by other underlying medical conditions. Some medical conditions that may cause hair thinning or hair loss include alopecia, thyroid issues, and infections. Some medicines may even cause hair loss. It is important to rule out any underlying cause of hair loss or hair thinning because transplant procedures will not fix the problem.

If there is no underlying cause of hair loss or hair thinning then a surgeon will evaluate whether you are a good candidate for follicle unit extraction. A good candidate has the following qualities:

Good health – some blood clotting disorders may make you unable to get a hair follicle transplant procedure

Patients with good, dense donor hair

Patients with the possibility of future hair loss or hair thinning

What to Expect from a Hair Transplant Procedure for Hair Thinning

Thicker, fuller hair does not happen immediately after a transplant procedure. In fact, it could take anywhere from 12 to 18 months to see noticeable results from the procedure. For most patients, their hair will appear thinner than before the procedure and then start to slowly grow back thicker and fuller.

If you are suffering from thinning hair, let the doctors at Contemporary Hair Transplant help you. Call us today to schedule an appointment to discuss how we can help you with your thinning hair.

You’re concerned about your thinning hair, enough that you’ve seriously considered a hair transplant. But you’re also concerned enough about pain during or after the procedure that you’re hesitant to find out more about follicular unit extraction (FUE) or strip harvesting (FUT). While both methods of hair transplantation do require surgery, it’s important to understand that neither will leave you in extreme pain.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Before an FUE or FUT procedure, your surgeon will inject a local anesthetic into the area of the scalp where hair will be harvested and in the area where hair is going to be transplanted. The local anesthetic will completely numb the area so that you don’t feel any pain. You might feel some "tugging" or pulling during the procedure, but it won’t be painful. You might also feel a pinch when the surgeon injects the anesthetic, but that’s all.

Along with the local anesthetic, your surgeon might also give you a sedative, usually through an IV. With conscious sedation, you’re not fully asleep, but you’re not fully awake and alert, either. You might still be able to talk to the surgeon during the hair transplant, but it is very unlikely that you’ll remember much, if anything, of what went on during the surgery.

What to Expect After the Procedure

After your FUE or FUT procedure, you might have some mild pain and discomfort on the scalp. If you have strip harvesting, there will be an incision that needs to heal, as well as the grafts where the hair was transplanted. Perhaps the best way to describe the way you can expect your scalp to feel after your surgery is "tender." There might be some redness and swelling, and some patients might notice a bit of a bleeding.

Usually, a pain reliever, either prescription or over-the-counter strength, is enough to manage any discomfort people experience. Some patients find that they don’t need to take any pain medications at all after their hair transplants. What you feel depends in large part on your own tolerance for pain.

What About PRP Therapy?

PRP therapy, or platelet-rich plasma therapy, can be an option for people who aren’t ready for a hair transplant or who want to improve the results of their surgery. The procedure involves taking a sample of blood, separating the plasma from it, then injecting the plasma into the areas of the scalp where hair is thinning.

Since the procedure does require injections, many people do feel a bit of a pinch, first when the blood is drawn and again when the plasma is injected. Otherwise, PRP therapy isn’t painful or uncomfortable.

If you are ready to learn more about your hair restoration options, call 844-261-7020 to schedule an appointment at Contemporary Hair Transplant in Paramus, NJ today.

ABOUT US

At the Chuback Medical Group in Paramus, New Jersey, your customized care is our top priority. With nonsurgical and minimally invasive alternatives, we can provide you with a hair replacement solution that will fit your lifestyle and budget.